The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1887-02-19
EARLY OHIO DAYS.
Sketch of VIM. Allen, Fourth Gov
ernor Of tho State.
"Reminiscences by the Oldest Citizen In the
scioto vailey--A Chiiiicothe Author.

The lives Of three OF Ohio's distinguished
early Governors who are buried at Chillicothe
were sketched In n preceding paper, and the ca
rcer OF Nathaniel Massie, declared to have been
elected Governor by the Legislature, was also
duly exploited.
Tho fourth Governor OF Ohio chosen from Ross
County was william Allen, who, like most of
the others from the Scioto Valley, was of South
ern birth and extraction.
William Allen WINS born AT Edcntown, Chow
an County. South Crolina in 1907 Both OF his
pnrcGts died while he was o very Young child,
and his training dovolvcd upon his only sister, o
woman of strong character, who was also the
mother of Allen c. Thurman
William Aliens sister did great deal for
him, and she not only made him u manly boy,
but she managed the small estate that was
left him with such excellent wisdom that she
was enabled to give him tho advantage of the
best schools
In 1881 Mrs. Thurman removed with her hus-
band to Chillicothe, leaving her brother to at
tend private academy at Lynchbnrg, Va.
Two years later he, too came to Ohio. and con-
tinued his studies at the old academy In Chilli
cothe. 1t is said that he made the journey
from Lynchburg, Va, to Chillicothe alone and
on foot.
When young Allen had finished his academic
career he entered the law office Of Edward
King, the able son OF Rufus King, OF New
York. While studying his text books young
walton of an effective manner of public speak
ing, to which talent he was so much indebted
for success in public life.
Alien made. It is believed his first speech in
one of the lower rooms Of the old State House,
whore he addressed debating club, OF which
he was an active member
William Allen was admitted to the practice OF
law before he was twenty years of age, and he
must have been uncommonly mature to have
hoped to compete in any way with a Bar which
was distinguished for its ability. He became q
partner of his preceptor, William King, and
soon began to make an impression as an advo-
cate.
He was tall and impressive in figure, and was
possessed of n voice of wonderful power and
hexibility
While still very young man he was nom-
mated for Congress by the Democrats of his
district and elected by majority Of one vote
He was the youngest man in the Twenty-third
Congress, but he filed q respectable place
in it.
In the first month Of 1897, Mr.. Allen made o
speech ut banquet in Columbus that made a
profound impression. and one altogether favor
able TO him. The result was that he was nomi
mated and elected to the u. s. Senate as the
successor OF Thomas Ewing.
Mr.. Allen was reelected to the Senate before
the close of his first term. and it was during
these twelve years Of public life ut Washington
that his powers attained their fullest and most
effective development. He was for great
many years chairman of the Committee on For
cign Relations.
In 1915 Senator Allen married Mrs. Efle
Macarthur Coons, the handsome daughter Of
Ex-Governor Duncan Macarthur Old Governor
Macarthur disliked Senator Allen very hea,ti-
ly, but that did not prevent sincere attach
ment springng up between the two younger
people.
Mrs. Allen inherited from Governor Near.
thur the old homestead, Fruit HILL" and his
ether landed possessions. Governor and Mrs.
Allen had one child. now Mrs. Scott. The
mother died in Washington soon after her
daughters birth, and Governor Allen rode on
horseback by the side OF her remains all the
way TO Chillicothe.
In August, 1873, the Democratic party Of Ohio
was at loss for Gubernatorial candidate. 1t